Thursday, July 28, 2016

Many people who have insured their
homes tend to become complacent and think that they are covered, no
matter what happens to the house. That is the biggest misconception.
There are thousands of different types of home insurance and policy
options. You should not take the nature and extent of your coverage for
granted. Study your policy carefully and do not hesitate to ask your
insurance agent for clarifications if you are not sure of anything. You
can then modify the policy or take additional coverage to give you the
protection you need.

Here are some of the coverages found on most policies and what you should know about them.

The Dwelling

The
word Dwelling refers to the house itself and any structures, like a
garage, that may be attached to it. The Amount of Insurance (Or Dwelling
Limit) as stated on the policy document will show the maximum amount
that the insurance company will pay if your home is destroyed by causes
or actions covered by the policy. Check to see id f the amount is enough
to get you a new home. If not, you need to increase your coverage.

Other Structures

Other
structures, as referred to in the policy, will mean a structure not
attached to the house. This covers, sheds / barns, pool houses,
standalone garages etc. The cover limit for these is separate from that
of the Dwelling and is usually much lower – often around 20% of the
Dwelling coverage. Check to see if the coverage you have is adequate.
You can buy additional coverage if required.

Personal Property

The
term personal property on the insurance policy refers to all your
belongings in the house – furniture, clothes, appliances, electronic
items and so on. Here too there will be a specific coverage limit which
is typically about 75% of the Dwelling limit. You can increase the
coverage by paying more. There is an important issue to note here. There
are two types of protection – “actual cash vale” and “replacement
cost.” If the protection is for actual cash value, depreciation will be
calculated and what you get for a 5 year old refrigerator that has been
destroyed will be less than the cost of buying a new one. If you are covered for replacement cost, the coverage will be for the cost of buying a new refrigerator at current prices.

Loss of Use

Where
will you stay, till your home is repaired or till you find a new one?
You are going to have to pay rent while continuing to pay your mortgage.
The Loss of Use coverage will pay your rental expenses. There are two
types of protection available.There is a payment limit that is the
amount that the insurance company will pay, irrespective of how long you
need to pay rent. Otherwise, if it is time based, all expenses will be
paid, regardless of the amount. But the coverage is only for a specified
time after which it will stop and you will not be paid anything.

In the next blog we will look at what is typically not covered by a home insurance policy.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Talking about one’s last days is
not a pleasant exercise. We all know that we will die one day, but it is
human nature to try and avoid discussing it. However, thinking about
it, talking about it and planning for the end, unpleasant though it is,
can take away some of the pain, both for you and those you leave behind.

Preparing For the End

Millions
of California residents are eligible for health care benefits that will
affect the nature and quality of care they will receive in their last
day. The problem is that many of them do not know about it. Both
Medicare and Medi-Cal (the state version of Medicare aimed at those with
low incomes) are now offering coverage for discussions between
patients, or their family members, and medical professionals on end of
life care. This does not mean finding and moving to a nursing home or
assisted living facility – those options can be exercised at the
patient’s discretion. What Medicare and Medi-Cal are now offering, is
planning for what happens if you are unable to communicate your wishes
for treatment. For example, if you have a stroke that leaves you unable
to communicate, and unconscious, do you want to be placed on a
ventilator or would you prefer to pass on naturally? Who will make these
decisions for you? The quality of your life, or of your death, could
depend on this.

You Can Talk To Your Doctor

Medi-Cal,
which covers 13 million Californians covers advance care planning
between doctors and patients / family members. Doctors can bill for
these discussion twice every year without prior authorization. There is
no patient age limitation for this. Medicare, with 5 million members in
California, offers covers for these planning discussions for those over
65 years of age and also for younger people with specific disabilities.
There is no limit on the number of discussions with the doctor.

The
aim of this coverage is to enable people to prepare an “Advance Care
Directive” that will dictate the course of their medical treatment if
they are unable to communicate these themselves. You can state what
treatment is acceptable, under what conditions and when a DNR (Do Not
Resuscitate) will come into force.

Many
doctors are uncomfortable initiating these discussion, both on a
personal level and because they feel that a patient may misunderstand
the intent and become upset. If your doctor is hesitant to discuss these
issues, it is up to you to carry the conversation forward, understand
the options for you and your family and then formally document the
decisions that have been made. You have the freedom to change your
decisions at a later date if so desired.

Talk To Your Insurance Agent

Along
with Medicare and Medi-Cal, some private insurance plans also cover end
of life planning discussions. If you are not covered or unsure of your
coverage, talk to an insurance professional to know what your status is
and if needed, get an insurance plan that provides you this coverage.
You owe it to yourself and those you love.

About Allied Brokers

Allied Brokers is a full-service insurance brokerage. Founded in 1954, we provide insurance products throughout California and several other states. We have insurance policies and services for any of your insurance needs: Auto, Homeowners, Condominiums, Apartments, Earthquake, Flood, Renters, Business, Health, Life, Motorcycle, Boat, RV and Estate Planning. Experience the "can do" attitude of our agents.